LEE – Bob Cho

With great sadness we announce that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Bob Cho Lee, passed away suddenly on the morning of Tuesday, July 19, 2011.

Our deeply beloved patriarch leaves behind his wife Judy (York Ying) Lee; his son Victor Lukmain, wife Jean and grandchildren, Robert Jileong, Richard Jiyeen and Victoria Jijean of Calgary; his second son Donald Waimain and wife Beverly of Regina; and his daughter Barbara Wailand and husband Erik of Seattle. Bob Cho is also survived by two brothers and their families, Bob Gene Lee of Ponoka and Bob Ning Lee of Edmonton; and four sisters and their families, Gnun Moi, Gnun Gok, Ba Hane, and Mai Hane, all of Heshan, China.

Bob Cho was predeceased by his oldest sister Gnun Jeen and his fourth sister Wai Hane.

Numerous cousins and relatives, young and old, too many to name, have helped or been helped by Bob Cho and hold him in special regard.

Bob Cho was born on March 16, 1935 in Tun Shan Han, Heshan, China and left home at 19 years old. After a few years in Guangzhou and Hong Kong, he left China to lead the family into Canada. Arriving in 1954 at Winnipeg, he worked briefly in his great uncle’s laundry service. Then in 1956, Bob Cho went to work at the Shanghai Restaurant. While in Winnipeg, he met his future father-in-law George Yum See Ming. In 1963, Bob Cho went back to Hong Kong, and in 1964, Bob and Judy were married and decided to settle in Radville, SK. Bob and Judy owned and operated the Canadian Café for over thirty years, making many friends before retiring in 1996. In 2002, Bob and Judy moved to Calgary to be near their grandchildren.

Bob Cho cared deeply for his family, both immediate and distant, and for his friends. He was well-liked with his keen humour and his pragmatic sense of life. He liked the CFL, especially the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He enjoyed life with a positive spirit. Bob left a great mark on our lives and we shall miss him very much.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in memoriam.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Monday, July 25, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.

In living memory of Bob Lee, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Tel: (403) 276-2296.

Condolence Messages

Helen, her mother and I were very saddened by the news of Bob’s sudden passing. I will always remember his very good nature, his smile and generosity whenever our paths crossed.

Bob was the quintessential “good man”, whose cooking skills would put many other men to shame. Much of Bob’s sense of humour and great character has rubbed off on his children and members of their families. We are all fortunate in that this heritage lives on. But knowing that Bob will no longer be around to celebrate life’s many milestones will make his loss all the more difficult to bear for many of those who have had the privilege of meeting Bob over the years.

I offer every member of Bob’s family my most sincere condolances on this occasion. Specials thoughts for Judy, Barbara, Donald and Victor… The very best to you all and courage during these challenging times, as we all say goodbye to a fine Canadian, a loving parent and inspiring friend who has made a difference in the life of many!

Judy and family. We were very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our prayers and sympathy go out to all of you. May your precious memories of Bob stay alive forever in your hearts and give some peace and consolation. Take good care of each other.

It is with great regret that we hear of the loss of Barbara, our daughter-in-law’s father. We had hoped that in the coming years we would see more of Bob and his family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Judy and Barbara and the rest of the family with the hope that God is with you during this troubled time. Darrel and Dee Gunderson

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Along with my family, I say that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Anyone with any ties to Radville always remember the Lee family. It is friendly and respectful people like this that truly make a community, and they contributed in so many ways. Take care and remember that all those wonderful memories of Bob are yours to cherish for a lifetime.